RECIPE: Merlot Hot Chocolate & The History Of Merlot

[1] Splash some Merlot into your hot chocolate for a cold weather warm-up (photos #1 and #4 © California Wine Institute). [2] Merlot pairs with many foods, including burgers and pizza (photo © Sutter Home). [3] For an after-work or pre-dinner glass of wine, pair Merlot with your favorite nibbles (photo © Rebelle Restaurant |…
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TIP OF THE DAY: How To Tell If A Pear Is Ripe…& Ways To Serve Pears

> World Pear Day is December 8th. > The year’s 80 fruit holidays. Below: > The history of pears. > More ways to enjoy pears, plus a recipe for easy baked pears. Pears are one of the few fruits that don’t ripen successfully on the tree. They’re picked when they have reached full size, but…
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RECIPE: Christmas Mocktail

[1] A pomegranate spritz—juice and club soda—is a non-alcoholic alternative to holiday cocktails (photo © Rawpixel | Pexels). [2] Festive, biodegradable paper straws. These are available on Amazon (photo © Ououps).   Here’s a holiday beverage that’s non-alcoholic, fun, even good for you. For those who don’t drink alcohol, or don’t want any more of…
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HOLIDAY GIFT: Nutcracker Ballet-Themed Chocolate

Here’s something special for balletomanes and ballet students who like dark chocolate bonbons: Delysia’s Nutcracker Chocolate Collection. Only 50 boxes of this seasonal edition have been made. The 16-piece truffle collection contains four each of themed chocolates inspired by the holiday ballet. The images atop each chocolate are charming. And the centers are beautifully flavored:…
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STOCKING STUFFER: Earth To Skin Fruit-Scented Hand Sanitizer

[1] Easy to carry in a pocket, you can keep different scents in purses, gym bags, etc. Above: Watermelon hand sanitizer (all photos © Earth To Skin). [2] The inexpensive six-pack lets you hand out little gifties to your friends, colleagues and helpers. Above: Blueberry hand sanitizer. [3] Lemon + Basil hand sanitizer, like all…
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